Latino chief to leave void

THE HIGHEST-RANKING uniformed cop is retiring after 33 years in the NYPD, setting off rampant speculation as to who will replace him.

Chief of Department Carlos Gomez was the first Hispanic to hold the position. And some are hoping his replacement will also be a person of color, reflecting the increasing diversity of the force. But Gomez says he just hopes his successor can do the job — regardless of race or ethnicity.

“I’m the first,” he said, reflecting on his place in department history. “But I’m sure I won’t be the last. I’m hearing so many names thrown out there about who will replace me, but that will be (Police Commissioner James O’Neill’s) decision, and it should go to the most qualified person possible.”

Born in Cuba and raised in Queens, Gomez, 55, will ride off into the sunset on Dec. 21.

The leading candidate to succeed Gomez is Chief of Patrol Terence Monahan, with Assistant Chief Rodney Harrison filling Monahan’s spot. Harrison is black. Monahan is white.

Julio Diaz, president of the NYPD chapter of the Latino Officers Association, said “there are a lot of qualified Latinos that can move up, and the department seems to be hesitant to do that.”

If Monahan and Harrison get bumped up after Gomez’s departure, that would leave the NYPD with no Hispanics among the socalled “super chiefs” at a time when 28% of all cops are Hispanic.

There are two Hispanic deputy commissioners, and several Hispanic precinct commanders. But some Hispanic cops and

As of Oct. 31, the NYPD had 36,382 uniformed cops: White Hispanic Black Asian Native American Other or or or or or White Hispanic Black Asian NYPD Chief of Department Carlos Gomez, the first Hispanic to hold the key post, is retiring and his departure draws attention to the lack of nonwhite officers in the highest ranks. Those who hold ranks above captain: Native American or or or or